Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
January 12, 2026 International law
The UN Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela welcomed the release of some political prisoners in the country over the past few days. However, as the Mission's experts noted, repressive practices and violations of international human rights law continue in Venezuela.
“Any step that returns freedom to those arbitrarily detained is important for them and for their families, who have tirelessly continued to fight for their loved ones amid prolonged uncertainty, suffering and trauma,” the statement released on Monday said.
Instrument of repression
Of the estimated 800 political prisoners, only about 50 have been released so far, including those whose cases have already been discussed in previous Mission reports. This, as UN experts emphasized, "falls far short of what needs to be done in accordance with Venezuela's international obligations Human Rights Defenders, according to the statement, remain particularly concerned about the situation of women in detention, given their health conditions and special needs.
The fact-finding mission documented in detail the “widespread and systematic use of arbitrary detention as instrument of repression".
"We therefore reiterate our call for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners and all persons arbitrarily deprived of their liberty. Furthermore, urgent measures must be taken to address any health concerns of those released," the human rights activists stated.
Requirements of international law
They also expressed deep concern about the "serious consequences of this situation for families." According to the UN Mission, relatives must be provided with clear and timely information about the fate, whereabouts, and legal status of their loved ones, as well as guaranteed access and regular visits.
"Long-term incommunicado detention, a human rights violation that many prisoners continue to face, exacerbates the suffering of families and must end," the experts added.
They called on the Venezuelan authorities to act transparently and expeditiously, specifically to provide information on plans for further releases, including the criteria applied, timeframes, and numbers of individuals to be released. At the same time, according to the statement, detention conditions must be immediately brought into compliance with international law, including access to medical care, meetings with lawyers and family members, and an immediate end to torture and other cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.
Ongoing violations
The UN fact-finding mission is monitoring the rapidly changing situation in Venezuela and remains concerned that the broader context of repression—including impunity for serious human rights violations—persists. The experts have received "alarming information about armed groups (colectivos) patrolling cities and intimidating the population through searches and phone checks." Furthermore, there are new reports of new detentions of those expressing their political views.
"There remains a pressing need to end all repressive practices in Venezuela and to prioritize human rights. The international community must prioritize this demand at this critical moment," the Mission's statement emphasized.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.